60 instead of 65

[gilby]

We have slowed down from the speed limit of 65 to around 55-60 to help get better gas milage. I have started to notice others are slowing down too.

 

[Feralpeg]

Good for you. Slowing to 55 mph would be even better. I watched a segment on the news that said the car engines run most efficiently at 55 mph.

 

[rflorek]

We have slowed down from the speed limit of 65 to around 55-60 to help get better gas milage. I have started to notice others are slowing down too.

If I slowed down to 55-60 (our speed limit is 65), Iwould most likely get run off the road before too long!!!! If you don't do 65-70 during rush hour, you might as well stay home (or go to the right lane where all of the tractor trailers are and go about 50 and be frightened by how fast everyone is passing you on your left!)

Good for you!

 

[mickeyfan2]

I would be runover if I did this.

 

[swkmom]

The speed limit is 70 on the interstate where I live. So, most people go at least 75. I would do this if I didn't think I would be run over!

 

[Local_Girl]

We've slowed it down on the interstate, from about 75 to the posted speed limit (ahem ) of 70. On the 2-1/2 hour drive to visit DMIL, we've noticed a huge difference in gas consumption. And yes, other cars go whizzing by...wonder how many will continue to do that now that gas is at $3.71 (plus) here?? Ouch.

 

[gilby]

The speed limit is 65, not 70 like people think. People just think they can drive 70-75.
Years ago they reduce the speed limit to 55 so people would get better gas milage. Where is that now? So we have to do it on our own.

 

[Julia M]

The speed limit is 65, not 70 like people think. People just think they can drive 70-75.
Years ago they reduce the speed limit to 55 so people would get better gas milage. Where is that now? So we have to do it on our own.

around here, it's 65 on freeways in the heart of the city and 70 on freeways in more rural areas, less populated.

Julia

 

[twinklebug]

I'd love to slow down to save gas

Right now I rarely get a chance to get on the highway! The killer for me is all the little back roads, starting & stopping the car, lights etc. I've done what I can to consolidate trips, but you can't just leave the engine running while you dart into get milk or the post office.

Traffic jams are just as bad or worse on gas as the higher speeds.
In my job hunt I'm taking traffic into consideration when I apply... not that I won't take a good job even if it means battling a 30 min fast lane stand still every morning, I just don't have that option. What I do have is the ability to ask the employer if the hours are flexible enough to allow me to come in a bit earlier to avoid traffic congestion both ways and plan accordingly. Of course, there are always some areas that are as slow as molasses in January for a solid 4 hours every morning and afternoon - not too much anyone can do about those except complain to the highway planning office (like they care).

 

[Chicago526]

Here the limit is 55, but people still do 70+. I usually keep the needle at 65 myself, but lately I've been doing about 60. I've also kept the AC off so far, that will cut your MPH too. But I get good MPH to beging with, I average around 30 miles a gallon, so I can't do much to improve it, but I can keep it from going down!

 

[daughtersrus]

Here are some other suggestions from Forbes.

It's interesting to note that they say that using the AC only reduces gas mileage by 1 mpg.

http://www.forbes.com/logistics/200...avel-biz-logistics_cx_lm_tvr_0524driving.html

 

[Big J]

The speed limit is 65, not 70 like people think. People just think they can drive 70-75.
QUOTE]

The posted speed limit on major highways in my state, Michigan, is 70 mph.

 

[Ciciwoowoo]

I've slowed my speed down too! I figure if I can go a few MPH slower and save some money, then heck, someone can run up on my tail and I don't care!!!

 

[bookgirl]

I would never purposly do 55 on an Interstate where the posted speed was 65 or 70.

In Oklahoma the speed limit is 70 on the interstate, 65 or 60 only in short passages in congested areas while passing through the city limits.

Every highway and interstate I've driven has been 70. I'm all for saving a little money, but if you're on the highway doing 55 in a 70 you're a hazzard. You may be saving gas but if I come up over a hill doing the LEGAL speed limit and have a wreck because you're saving money by doing 15 miles below the limit then you saved money at the cost of me and my car.

If there is no traffic and you are not causeing others to have to manuver around you then do 55, but please if there is traffic you need to do the limit.


Saving a gallon of gas is not worth someone else's safety in my opinion.

 

[spiceycat]

bookgirl, I would generally agree.

but I have noticed that the big trucks are slowing down. If they can - everyone can.

some even go 60 in a 70 mph zone.

now that doesn't mean I will - didn't get a Honda Civic for nothing.

 

[wtpntigger2]

Here the limit is 55, but people still do 70+.

I know what you mean. If you don't go 70 on I-90, you'll get run over which is terrible because the speed limit is 55 till you get to the more rural areas.

I don't do a lot of highway driving, so it doesn't affect me much in that way. I do find if I set my cruise control for long drives, even at 65+, I can get upwards of 35-38 mpg.

 

[Feralpeg]

Perhaps our government needs to lower the speed limit to 55 mph on all interstates. It was 55 mph when I was growing up and it wasn't a problem. I really don't see why it needs to be 70 mph. If you lower the posted limit to 55 mph, people will go 65 mph. At 70 mph, the do 80 to 85 mph. Not necessary.

 

[karinbelle]

Perhaps our government needs to lower the speed limit to 55 mph on all interstates. It was 55 mph when I was growing up and it wasn't a problem. I really don't see why it needs to be 70 mph. If you lower the posted limit to 55 mph, people will go 65 mph. At 70 mph, the do 80 to 85 mph. Not necessary.

The current GOV of Kentucky wants to RAISE our speed limit to 70 mph.

Not kidding. Good thing we have the gov's election this fall.

 

[TwistofLemon]

I TRY to stay the speed limit, but I drive a little car and those big trucks are huge in the rear-view mirror! Also, it really depends on how late I am for work

 

[twinklebug]

There's a joke out there about the little old lady who was pulled over for speeding. When the officer asked he if she knew she was speeding she answered "Yes officer, I was just trying to keep up with the guy behind me."

Seriously though. On the MA highways, if you don't go 65+ you become a road hazard to everyone else.